European Hare

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European Hare
European Hare
European Hare

European Hare

Lepus capensis


Mainly nocturnal. Rests during the day under grass or among rocks (not in burrows). Can breed rapidly, similarly to rabbits.


Details Description
Type
Mammal
Group
Placental
Other Common Names
Jackrabbit, Brown Hare
Identifying Characteristics

Upper body grey-brown, underparts white. Ears long with a black tip. Tail white. Body up to 60 cm long.

Distinctive Markings

Ears long with a black tip. Long hindlegs.

Diet

Herbivore. Eats mainly grasses and crops, also eats bark.

Habitat

Occurs in grasslands, woodlands and agricultural areas.

Native Status
Introduced
Taxonomy
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Lagomorpha
Family
Leporidae
Genus
Lepus
Species
capensis
European Hare
Queensland to South Australia and Tasmania, including throughout Victoria.

Distribution maps indicate current and historic locations where species have been sighted.

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

Conservation Status
DEPI Advisory List
Not listed
FFG Act
Not listed
EPBC Act
Not listed

The conservation status of species is listed within Victoria and Australia.

The Department of Environment and Primary Industry (DEPI) Advisory List consists of non-statutory advisory lists of rare or threatened flora and fauna within Victoria.

The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) lists threatened species in Victoria. Under the Act, an Action Statement is produced for each listed species.

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is the Australian Government’s key piece of environmental legislation, listing nationally threatened native species and ecological communities.